the connection ~ Kimi Antonelli

Chapter 8

I lay on my towel, my head resting on my arm, savoring the Mediterranean sun as it bathed my skin in its comforting warmth. Ollie and Lorenzo continued their playful frolic in the water, their laughter carried away by the gentle waves. Meanwhile, Kimi had ventured off to retrieve a football from our small car, eager to add another layer of excitement to our beach day.

We had all enjoyed a refreshing swim, and Lorenzo's spontaneous idea to play football injected an extra dose of enthusiasm into the day. What made it even more special was the absence of those persistent tingling feelings that often fluttered in my stomach whenever Kimi was near. The absence of awkwardness in our interactions was truly liberating, and I felt that both of us were gradually getting to know each other in a new, relaxed light.

Just as I was beginning to doze off into a hazy daydream, a sudden jolt rudely awakened me. An object collided with my side, and I quickly sat up, clutching my ribs in surprise.

"Come on, we need an even team," Ollie stood over me, a mischievous grin on his face, his wet hair adding to the comical effect.

"You didn't need to kick me, you know. That actually hurt," I playfully scolded, accepting his extended hand to help me up. With the sand sticking to my skin, I reached for the loose shirt I had brought and pulled it over my head.

"Sorry, bee," Ollie replied, and I decided to retaliate with a playful elbow to his ribs. "Fine, we're even now."

"Bueno, what are the teams?" Lorenzo asked as Kimi returned, marking goal points in the sand.

As we considered our team arrangement, Ollie's phone provided a random draw. It was Lorenzo and me on one team, while Kimi partnered with Ollie.

"El fútbol es el deporte de nuestro país. Vamos," Lorenzo declared in Spanish, emphasizing that football was indeed the sport of our country.

"Vamos," I replied with enthusiasm, and a growing excitement coursed through me as Kimi sprinted toward us with the ball. The game was officially underway.

Kimi exhibited his impressive ball-handling skills, effortlessly dribbling around Lorenzo and me. The competitive edge of the game was still present, but the atmosphere was filled with laughter and camaraderie, making the competition light-hearted and fun. As Kimi neared the goal, he successfully kicked the ball past the line, and Ollie rushed to celebrate with him.

"One nil," Kimi laughed, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes playfully. Lorenzo quickly seized the ball, initiating a sprint across the sandy field, and I ran to support him.

"Come on, Y/n, show us your hidden football talents," Ollie called out with a mischievous grin as he attempted to intercept my progress.

I couldn't resist the chance to taunt him back, "You know, Ollie, don't underestimate me, I remember Flo and I beating you at FIFA."

At the mention of Florence, Ollie's focus wavered for a moment, allowing me to continue my run and Lirenzo passed the ball to me, helping us score a goal. I couldn't help but laugh in sheer delight as Lorenzo picked me up and celebrated with a triumphant fist pump.

"What was that about one nil again?" I teased Kimi, who shook his head with a smile, a sense of good-spirited rivalry filling the air.

Our teasing continued as the game progressed. After about half an hour, the score remained tied, and we all knew that the next goal would determine the winner. The atmosphere was electric as the game reached its climax, and our playful jibes escalated.

Then, in the blink of an eye, I spotted an opportunity. With a surge of determination, I made a dash for the ball, my focus unwavering on the victory that lay ahead. The collision between Kimi and me was intense, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as though the world around us slowed down.